How far is Opelousas, LA from Ruston, LA?
The driving distance from Opelousas, LA to Ruston, LA is about 160.6 miles (258.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 141.3 miles (227.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 11m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 35m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Suburb village of Alexandria, located in Grant Parish, Louisiana, United States.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Opelousas and Ruston.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Opelousas and Ruston.
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1
Start on South Main Street
622 ft · 20 sec · South Main Street
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2
Turn left onto East Vine Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · East Vine Street
-
3
Take the exit slight left toward I 49 North, US 167 North: Alexandria
1815 ft · 45 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
64.6 mi · 1 hr 5 min · Charles I. "Doc" Hudson Highway
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 167 North, LA 28 East, LA 1: Pineville Expressway, Casson Street
1212 ft · 30 sec
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6
Keep slight left to continue on US 167 North, LA 28 East: Pineville Expressway
93.7 mi · 1 hr 59 min
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7
Turn right onto East California Avenue
51 m · 4 sec · East California Avenue
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East California Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Opelousas and Ruston.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 167 North
Keep slight left to continue on US 167 North, LA 28 East: Pineville Expressway
93.7 mi · 01h 59m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Opelousas and Sunny near Ruston.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Opelousas to Ruston?
The road trip is about 160.6 miles (258.5 km) and usually takes 02h 35m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Creola is a useful midpoint, sitting about 80.2 miles from Opelousas and 80.5 miles from Ruston.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 141.3 miles (227.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.18 one way or $44.36 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Opelousas and Sunny near Ruston.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Opelousas and Ruston. Straight-line distance: 141.32 mi (227.44 km).
#1 Opelousas
Parish seat of St.
| Population | 15,562 |
| Coordinates | 30.5335300, -92.0815100 |
| Altitude | 20 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ruston
Small city and parish seat of Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, United States
| Population | 21,891 |
| Coordinates | 32.5232100, -92.6379300 |
| Altitude | 102 |
| Country | United States |
End: East California Avenue (-92.637902, 32.52365)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 259 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.91 | $22.18 | $44.36 |
| Mid-grade | $4.38 | $24.81 | $49.62 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $27.11 | $54.22 |
| Diesel | $5.82 | $33.02 | $66.03 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
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